TRAVEL TRADE MALDIVES 2018 WRAPS UP-MALDIVES INSIDER

Travel Trade Maldives (TTM), the largest travel fair in the Maldives, has officially concluded its second edition.

Held from April 30 to May 5, the second edition of TTM received tremendous support from industry professionals.

Spanning over a period of six days, this year’s TTM featured a brand new component, the Maldives Supplier Expo, which was targeted towards resort personnel from departments such as procurement, finance, accounts, F&B, and engineering. With 23 suppliers exhibiting during the first of its kind expo, major local and international supply chains participated, along with operational personnel from various tourism establishments including resorts and guesthouses.

TTM 2018 has been more successful than the first edition held last year, as this year’s show hosted over 400 industry professionals from leading resorts and hotels. More than 4,000 meetings were held at the main convention centre of Dharubaaruge in capital Male, where business contracts were negotiated amongst the exhibitors and travel agencies.

“TTM 2018 pre-scheduled meetings which was held from 1st-3rd May was an immensely successful component for all the exhibitors and the travel agents/tour operators from across the globe who participated in this three-day fair,” a statement issued by organiser Maldives Getaways read.

Pre-scheduled meetings of TTM 2018. PHOTO/ MALDIVES GETAWAYS

TTM 2018 kicked off on April 30 with a summit dedicated to tackle the most pressing issues in the world-renowned holiday destination.

While the pre-scheduled meetings took place from May 1-3 at Dharubaaruge, all participants of TTM 2018, including local and international exhibitors and visitors as well as partners, attended the TTM Gala Night hosted by Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi resort Wednesday evening.

Officials of Maldives Getaways pose for a photo with partners at the gala night of TTM 2018. PHOTO/ MALDIVES GETAWAYS

TTM, which was launched last year by local PR firm Maldives Getaways, aims to facilitate the tourism industry of Maldives to reach the ultimate target of two million tourists per year with over USD 3.5 billion in receipts by the end of 2020.

According to organisers, the third edition of TTM will take place from April 20-22, 2019.

Meanwhile, Maldives Getaways will partner with Sri Lankan authorities to host the first ever Travel Trade Sri Lanka from April 24-26, 2019 in capital Colombo.